"Thanks to the Chicago Endurance Sports Coaches for the great training this summer! I had a good run yesterday, I've improved my time from the last Half Marathon and had fun doing it. Keep up the good work. I will certainly come back and bring others to CES."
— Gracia Shiffrin, Half Marathon Program

Spring Training 2015

CES Spring Training is an all encompassing training program that will prepare you for the Fleet Feet Sports Soldier Field 10 Mile, a spring half marathon, and give you an excellent base for any of your summer running or triathlon goals. New to 2015 is our 10K training portion that will prepare you for the Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure on Mother's Day!

Are you ready for Training?

FREE BASE TRAINING PLAN

2015 SPRING TRAINING

4-WEEK BASE TRAINING PROGRAM

It is our goal to see you have a successful training program with the best chance at attaining your goals, whatever they may be, and we also want you to avoid injuries. Important to a successful and injury free training program is having a solid base of activity before training officially begins. We have created a four week base training program that will allow you to have a successful and injury free training program. Please check out the base training program and help set yourself up for success!

Program Overview

Spring is an exciting time for a Chicago runner. The days grow longer, the lakefront path comes to life, and the local calendar fills with spectacular world-class races. CES Spring Training will get you in perfect shape to perform your best, offer wonderful amenities while you compete, and have you healthy and ready for summer training.

A team of more than 30 CES coaches with years of experience give participants hands-on guidance through a customizable 10–12 week program featuring group runs twice a week while the CES Pacers and mentors provide assistance during weekly long runs to make sure participants follow their prescribed workouts at the right pace.

Participants follow a program preparing them to succeed at all distances up to a half marathon (see the suggested races listed below). The mileage progression is perfect for those planning to race the Shamrock Shuffle in the midst of this training. Coaches are available daily via e-mail to answer specific questions or adjust training schedules to fit specific needs.

Registration Closed

All Group Run

Finish up spring training in style with a fully supported group long run that is assisted from the team that produces such wonderful events as the Ravenswood 5k, Soldier Field 10 Mile and more for Fleet Feet Sports. Take advantage of the assistance of pacers, refuel and reenergize at the aid stations stocked with water and Gatorade every few miles, enjoy the support and motivation of the CES coaches and relax after this 'dress rehearsal' for your effort with post-run stretching, self massage tools and food and beverages to replace the calories you burned off.

Soldier Field 10 Mile CES Race Day Resort

Enjoy a championship race-day experience at the Fleet Feet Sports Soldier Field 10 Mile on May 23rd. The CES Spring Training Hospitality Resort will provide fantastic amenities worthy of a luxury box on the 50-yard line. Avoid the crush with race day bib and packet pick up (must notify that you are doing so). Get your own "locker room" with private gear check and restrooms. Fuel up for your race with Clif Bar, Gatorade and water. Then celebrate your effort and achievement with your CES teammates and enjoy beer and food — and not having to wait in long lines. Be a winner and train with CES.

Start your mother's day off with the hospitality of our CES Race Day tent. Celebrate with Mom and the family in Grant Park and the thousands running and walking for a Cure. Check your gear with us, and fuel up with Clif Bar, Gatorade and water. Finally, celebrate in style toasting with your CES family on a wonderful season and race with post race refreshments and snacks.

Nothing will get your running legs moving for 2015 like CES Spring Training. Want to be a part of the experience? See all of the exciting details below.

CES Training + Soldier Field 10 Mile or Komen Race for the Cure 10K

You can now register for training and the Fleet Feet Sports Soldier Field 10 Mile or Komen Race for the Cure 10K in one easy payment! When the race price increases CES will retain the original race registration price. This offer is for a limited time only so register today!

Ideal Target Races

One does not need to do a race to benefit from CES Spring Training, but the following races fit the schedule:

Fleet Feet Sports Soldier Field 10 Mile* (Feel like a champion with a fully supported race day experience with fantastic, winning amenities)

Komen Race for the Cure 5K/10K (start out celebrating Mother's Day finishing at the CES Hospitality tent full with race day amenities)

Bank of America Shamrock Shuffle

Madison Marathon and Half Marathon

Chicago Spring Half Marathon or 10K

*Register for CES Spring Training and the Fleet Feet Sports Soldier Field 10 Mile or the Komen Race for the Cure 5K or 10K and pay the original race registration price. This deal is for a limited time only.

Four Locations to Choose From!

CES Spring Training will be available at FOUR Chicago-area Fleet Feet Sports stores. This provides you with a WARM and DRY place to start, store personal gear in a secure location, and a place to meet, talk or go out for brunch or coffee with your running buddies after long runs.

Limited Space Available

In order to maintain the high quality CES is known for (and which participants expect), each location will be limited to a number of participants. Don't miss your chance and register today! Most of our programs SELL OUT before training begins. Don't be left out!

CES Spring Training Open House

Chicago Endurance Sports will host an Open House at our four training locations. Attendees have the opportunity to run with the Pacers and Mentors, meet and converse with CES Coaches, register for the training program, and those who are registered for Spring Training will be able to pick up their training packet (premium included). The Open House is FREE to those who RSVP.

Program Benefits

12 weeks of wonderful, spring training to motivate you through the cold weather and get in shape for the summer

CES branded premium apparel item for group training registrants

Sizes available on a first come first serve basis. Don't wait to pick up your gear

A warm, dry place to start and finish the runs, store your gear and go for coffee

Fantastic amenities at the Soldier Field 10 Mile that will make you feel like a champion include private gear check and restrooms, pre-race Gatorade and water, post-race food and beer and race day packet pickup*

Start your Mother's day at the Komen Race for the Cure 5K/10K and celebrate in style with the fabulous race day amenities in the CES Hospitality tent.

First Group Training Sessions

Tuesdays/Wednesdays/Thursdays — 6:30pm at Fleet Feet Sports (we'll meet at the store, then head out for our run)

These mid-week runs will focus on form, strength and speed. Our coaching staff will be present to help teach, challenge and provide motivation.

Saturdays/Sundays — 7:00am at the Elmhurst loacation and 7:30am at the Chicago Locations (and 7:50am at our Old Town location only) at Fleet Feet Sports (we'll meet at the store, then head out for our run)

These workouts are reserved for long, slow distance runs so important to the success of endurance runners. The CES Pacer and Mentors are available to guide you at the appropriate pace. Our coaches also run with you to motivate and help you with any concerns or questions that arise.

Restrooms, changing rooms, secure gear storage and water are available at all of our group training sessions.

After the first weekend group training run on March 7th and 8th, we suggest new CES members hang around for our New Member Orientation. The presentation will explain the structure that makes CES participants so successful.

CES Pacers and Mentors

We all need a little help from our friends. We need motivation to start and encouragement to keep it going and support that says we are doing a good job. The CES Pacers and Mentors are the best in the business in keeping a consistent training pace, showing path etiquette and keeping us safe on the popular Chicagoland running paths.

Our Coaching Staff

We're extremely proud of our professional, experienced coaching staff —they always go the extra mile to make sure you have a fun, successful training season! Why is it so important to have qualified coaches? They can:

Evaluate your current fitness level and goals to make sure you are training at an appropriate level

Evaluate your current fitness level and goals to make sure you are training at an appropriate level

Evaluate and suggest ways to improve your running form

Assist you if you need to adjust your training schedule, in the event of an injury or missed training due to travel or life in general

Motivate and challenge you to reach your goals in a smart, safe & effective manner

Click here for more information or to reach out to any of our awesome coaches!

12 weeks Half Marathon Group Training + Race Entry

10K or Half Marathon Virtual Training ONLY**

Half Marathon Virtual Training + Race Entry**

(INCLUDES registration to Fleet Feet Sports Soldier Field 10 Mile)

$139*

$159*

10K Virtual Training + Race Entry**

(INCLUDES registration to Susan G. Komen Race for the Cure 10K)

$99*

$119*

* Race registration processing fees are included into the price.
** Virtual Training is a great option if you don't live near one of our training locations! You'll receive your schedule online and support from our coaches, as well as a weekly email update with coaching tips, race updates and more.

Please note: Unless otherwise stated, race entry fees are NOT included with the training program fees — you are responsible for race registration and all fees that apply to that registration.

Good news for new CES members. Once you participate in ANY CES program, you are a CES alumni for life and save on future programs!

No refunds will be provided in full or in part for any reason, including injury, after a program begins. No prorated fees are provided for late enrollments.